Passport Seva Kendras to Implement New Technology to Expedite Passport Issuance Process
Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) across India are set to implement new technology aimed at expediting the passport issuance process and improving the overall experience for applicants. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced that a pilot program will be launched in select PSKs to test the effectiveness of the new technology before rolling it out nationwide.
The new technology, which includes biometric verification and facial recognition software, is designed to streamline the passport application process and reduce processing times. By integrating these advanced technologies into the existing passport issuance system, the MEA hopes to eliminate bottlenecks and improve efficiency at PSKs.
One of the key features of the new technology is the implementation of biometric verification for passport applicants. This will involve capturing biometric data, such as fingerprints and iris scans, to verify the identity of the applicant. By using biometric data to authenticate the identity of applicants, PSKs can reduce the risk of identity fraud and ensure that passports are issued to the right individuals.
In addition to biometric verification, the new technology will also incorporate facial recognition software to further enhance the security of the passport issuance process. This technology will enable PSKs to compare the facial features of passport applicants with their biometric data to ensure that the person applying for a passport is indeed who they claim to be.
The implementation of these technologies is expected to significantly reduce the time taken to process passport applications at PSKs. By automating the identity verification process and reducing the need for manual intervention, PSKs will be able to process applications more quickly and efficiently, leading to faster passport issuance times for applicants.
Furthermore, the new technology is also expected to enhance the overall security of the passport issuance process. By using biometric verification and facial recognition software, PSKs can better protect against identity theft and other forms of fraud, ensuring that passports are issued only to legitimate applicants.
The pilot program for the new technology is set to be launched in select PSKs in the coming months, with plans to expand its implementation to all PSKs nationwide in the near future. The MEA has assured that adequate training will be provided to PSK staff to familiarize them with the new technology and ensure a smooth transition to the updated passport issuance system.
In addition to the implementation of new technology, the MEA is also working on other initiatives to improve the passport issuance process. These include the introduction of online passport application services and the expansion of passport services to more locations across the country.
Overall, the new technology being introduced at PSKs is expected to revolutionize the passport issuance process in India. By leveraging advanced biometric verification and facial recognition software, PSKs will be able to process passport applications more quickly and efficiently, while also enhancing the security of the process. With these technological advancements, applicants can look forward to a smoother and more secure experience when applying for a passport at PSKs.
